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Couples urged to test relationship

The Ministry of the Interior published a relationship evaluation chart yesterday on the eighth anniversary of the enactment of the Domestic Violence Prevention Law (家暴法) to help families identify potential problems that might lead to domestic violence.

Minister of the Interior Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋) said the ministry has been working hard on services to protect domestic violence victims this year, including emergency arrangements and aid for victims.

However, many families still feel that domestic violence is "household business" not to be divulged to outsiders, Lee said.

Therefore, most victims have been severely beaten before the government hears about the cases and can intervene, Lee said.

The ministry hopes to discover cases as early as possible, since domestic violence is the result of a build-up of emotions and conflicts, he said.

Lee said that 68 percent of domestic violence cases last year occurred in relationships between husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, and cohabitation partners.

More than 80 percent of the victims were women, he said.

To allow partners to have a better understanding of each other, the ministry devised a "relationship traffic light quiz," with 12 questions to help people determine if their relationship faces trouble

A person scores one point for every "yes" they answer, while a "no" receives zero points.

Those who score 1 point or less receive a "relationship green light" which means that the relationship is free of conflicts, and the couple should instead pay attention to friends and neighbors to see if they are in need of help.

Two to five points signify a "yellow light," which means a slightly tense relationship that may spark conflicts and the couple should resolve problems or talk to friends and social workers.

Those who score six points or higher have a "relationship red light," which indicates that there is high risk for domestic violence and that they should seek help.

Lee urged the public to use the test to evaluate their relationships.
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